Kidney transplants in Nepali migrant workers: health and employment insights

Chronic kidney disease affects 10-15% of the global population and 6% in Nepal. Nepali migrant workers in Gulf countries and Malaysia face significant health risks, including kidney problems, due to harsh working conditions.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Nepali returnee migrant workers who had a kidney transplant from 2013 to 2023 at a National Transplant Center. Data on their sociodemographic profiles, employment, and health practices were collected via telephone questionnaires.

Among the 217 returnee migrants surveyed, 56.2% had returned from Gulf countries, with two-thirds working in temperatures above 40°C and over 75% working more than 10 hours daily. Alarmingly, 78.1% drank less than 2 L of water daily, and many frequently skipped urinations despite the urge.

The study underscores the severe health hazards faced by these workers and calls for stricter policies to protect their well-being.